The Combo Club

[GonePlaid]

A friend was traveling through south Texas and saw a sign for Brangus cattle so he stopped in and asked if that was a cross between Brahman and Angus. The fella said,”No sir, we just ranch whatever they Brangus!”

Ba dum pum(crash)

 

[Doctor Intrepid]

Just finished listening to your vid Doc, and I gotta tell ya that your rig has some definite bottom end! I'm running a small Altec subwoofer with my Dell speakers and gee-mi-nee, that was deep! Okay, time to begin saving shekels for a Hofner 500/1. Wow. TBH, I didn't get any woody vibe though, which if I'm not mistaken comes from the '68, correct? Tell ya what, I'd love to hear the same bass through your Pathfinder combo if and when you have time. I know it won't have a deep tone, but would be interested in how it plays through small speakers. As for your 15" combo, you may rest your case. Thanks a lot, Doc.

PS: what did you use to record that? I know I've probably bugged ya before, but I want to be able to do that too but don't have what I think I need to pull it off. Too busy buying amps is my problem!

Thank you! The 500/1 is deep for sure. I just used my phone and it's microphone to pick up what the amp(s) were pushing. I have a 15 watt Kustom practice amp that I'll record the same bass with to offer the second sample you requested. I unhooked the speakers from the Pathfinder, so you would get a good sense of that one. I also have an Ignition with flats that I'll record too, as a comparison. If you like the Ignition it is not as expensive as the German made 500/1.

 

[Tuffluck]

Thanks for having me.
I picked up playing as my mid life crisis, lol. The Peavy is the first combo I've owned. While i love the way it sounds playing with active basses, it is a bit heavy. I think it weighs in at about 50#.
Reading back thru all the previous posts here Im seriously considering with something else, maybe more watts and hopefully lighter.

 

[GwenOnBass]

I do love the seafoam green and daphne blue cables but felt neither of the two would look as aesthetically pleasing as...black. I think it's neat to get your own cables personally made by someone like a wizard out of a Harry Potter movie. Let me guess, M, you're sitting on the BA-108 v2 and the bass is close enough to its input jack that you only needed a 6" cable. Right? Also, what was on the 'burger?

That six inch blue cable will connectoerate the VT Bass Deluxe to a HPF and both will be elevatied to a position of prominence on a small(ish) pedalboard. By the looks of it now, the there is room on the pedalboard for probably two Boss-sized pedals in the signal chain. But for the life of me can't visualize what else I may want on the board for what I intend. See, there's this Fifth Edition Real Book here at my elbow.

A "bassist wanted" ad was inside the door at the shop with the funkified Ampeg. "Hard working rock and roll band" is what it said, "originals and covers". Without more infos it's impossible to say why these guys need a bassist. That's really my first question, huh. Were I to ring them. Yeah speaking of retired, seems to me a 'rockin band may be looking for someone younger.

And in my experience it takes someone younger to rock a lemonade stand until closing. Nailing these here Real Book heads looks to me a great deal saner when "retired"

 

[iagtrplyr]

Thanks for having me.
I picked up playing as my mid life crisis, lol. The Peavy is the first combo I've owned. While i love the way it sounds playing with active basses, it is a bit heavy. I think it weighs in at about 50#.
Reading back thru all the previous posts here Im seriously considering with something else, maybe more watts and hopefully lighter.

Considering another combo? Oh yeah, now you’re officially in the club. Have fun while hunting!

 

[iagtrplyr]

That six inch blue cable will connectoerate the VT Bass Deluxe to a HPF and both will be elevatied to a position of prominence on a small(ish) pedalboard. By the looks of it now, the there is room on the pedalboard for probably two Boss-sized pedals in the signal chain. But for the life of me can't visualize what else I may want on the board for what I intend. See, there's this Fifth Edition Real Book here at my elbow.

A "bassist wanted" ad was inside the door at the shop with the funkified Ampeg. "Hard working rock and roll band" is what it said, "originals and covers". Without more infos it's impossible to say why these guys need a bassist. That's really my first question, huh. Were I to ring them. Yeah speaking of retired, seems to me a 'rockin band may be looking for someone younger.

And in my experience it takes someone younger to rock a lemonade stand until closing. Nailing these here Real Book heads looks to me a great deal saner when "retired"

You’re gonna have to take a picture of this oft-mention pedalboard just so we know it exists. Could one of those Boss-sized spaces be reserved for a Boss-sized tuner, or are you covered with that?

As for the band you mentioned, it don’t hurt to inquire if seriously interested. Maybe their old bass player lacked personality. Well you’ve got that in spades! My rock days are behind me, but I encourage anyone to go for it if they choose!

Out at school yesterday PM, a local music store was installing a brand new PA system for the gymnasium, which is like a home’s family room; everything important takes place there! So as the tech was setting up he playing Rush’s Moving Pictures and I was drawn like a moth to the light! Our custodian (cajon) and music teacher (guitar/vocals) were there working with the tech.

So after a million questions, I said to my buddies that we need to keep our little group together and find excuses to play during the school year. We’re kicking around Christmas music for our holiday centers on the last day before winter break.

All I know is we can hook our 12-channel donated old Peavey board directly to the new PA rig through a single jack in front of the stage and run all mics and instruments through with no problem. We’re minus subs (obviously, we’re a public school on a budget), but the tech said we’ll have no problem running through whatever we want. Yahoo! That means low stage volume (me), yet everyone will hear me without my drowning out little kids while they’re singing!

This school year is already off to a good start...

 

[Tuffluck]

Considering another combo? Oh yeah, now you’re officially in the club. Have fun while hunting!

Another combo is on the list. One that could possibly have a line out and power the Acoustic cab in the back of the picture would be ideal. Not that I really want to lug a cab around anymore, but having the option is nice.
I tend to keep things, so the Peavy will be a backup and used at home solely. Its paid for, so why not? Lol.
He who dies with the most toys wins

 

[iagtrplyr]

Another combo is on the list. One that could possibly have a line out and power the Acoustic cab in the back of the picture would be ideal. Not that I really want to lug a cab around anymore, but having the option is nice.
I tend to keep things, so the Peavy will be a backup and used at home solely. Its paid for, so why not? Lol.
He who dies with the most toys wins

Especially when you’re talking about bass toys! I’d look for a 2 X 10 combo with ext speaker ability. Then you could run your rig as a 6 X 10 monster setup. Fender Rumble 500, Ampeg BA210 v2, or my fave, a Fender Stage 800 (if you’ve got bucks to blow) would all be at the top of my list. Check ‘em out.

 

[bhendrix]

maybe more watts and hopefully lighter.

IMHO, you cannot go wrong with the Rumble 500 combo. I recently made the move to this amp and couldn't be happier. Gone are the days of shlepping around back breaking gear. 34 lbs and keeps up with my loud bandmates without breaking a sweat!

 

[Tuffluck]

IMHO, you cannot go wrong with the Rumble 500 combo. I recently made the move to this amp and couldn't be happier. Gone are the days of shlepping around back breaking gear. 34 lbs and keeps up with my loud bandmates without breaking a sweat!

A former band mate had an older Rumble that I played on a few times. It worked well with the passive bass I used to use. I never moved it, but 34 pounds is a huge difference to the 50 I'm at now.
And honestly 50 isn't that much, but I'm not a large person (5'10, 140 pds). Shlepping cabinets and countertops at my day job the last 10 years has taken a toll on my shoulders.
Thankfully Ive moved into management so the days of heavy lifting are pretty much over.
I was looking at the 800 stage during lunch on Reverb. 500,800.. Hmmm. Maybe time to head out to GC and play a few for myself.
The last trip there they did have a few of the Acoustic combos and I may look at those as well.
I just wanna say, I have been lurking the pages of TB for over a year. This group has some of the nicest, most helpful folks Ive seen here or on any other forum I hang around. I'm really happy to have found a home here. Thank you all

 

[iagtrplyr]

A former band mate had an older Rumble that I played on a few times. It worked well with the passive bass I used to use. I never moved it, but 34 pounds is a huge difference to the 50 I'm at now.
And honestly 50 isn't that much, but I'm not a large person (5'10, 140 pds). Shlepping cabinets and countertops at my day job the last 10 years has taken a toll on my shoulders.
Thankfully Ive moved into management so the days of heavy lifting are pretty much over.
I was looking at the 800 stage during lunch on Reverb. 500,800.. Hmmm. Maybe time to head out to GC and play a few for myself.
The last trip there they did have a few of the Acoustic combos and I may look at those as well.
I just wanna say, I have been lurking the pages of TB for over a year. This group has some of the nicest, most helpful folks Ive seen here or on any other forum I hang around. I'm really happy to have found a home here. Thank you all

Very kind of you to say that. as you can tell, we all have our faves, but try and respect one another’s tastes even if it doesn’t match our own. It’s a really wonderful bunch here.

The biggest difference between the 500 and 800 combos is the Stage is a digital modeling amp. It’s their top of the line and it spares no expense. If you’re looking for a true gigging combo then, IMHO, there’s none better...and yes, I own and use it when the call comes in.

The 500, of which the LT/Studio/Stage amps model, is for the player who doesn’t want to mess with presets, yet does appreciate some tonal options. The amp is pure power and has quite a bit of bottom to it. Some bass players run a 115 or 210 cab in conjunction to the combo and that’s your 500 watts. Otherwise, it’s 350 watts out it’s two tens. Still plenty for most uses.

I’ll let those interested jump in and tell what they like, but getting out and playing is your best bet. Check to see what’s in stock and/or listen to the one you can’t find on YouTube just to get an idea.

The latest Acoustic amps are interesting with their angles chassis. You’ll have to check wattage amounts vs. price, but they’re always competitive with everyone. Weight will be higher on almost every model compared to Fender, so you’ll have to take that into consideration.

Keep us posted, Tuffy.

 

[GwenOnBass]

You’re gonna have to take a picture of this oft-mention pedalboard just so we know it exists. Could one of those Boss-sized spaces be reserved for a Boss-sized tuner, or are you covered with that?

As for the band you mentioned, it don’t hurt to inquire if seriously interested. Maybe their old bass player lacked personality. Well you’ve got that in spades! My rock days are behind me, but I encourage anyone to go for it if they choose!

Out at school yesterday PM, a local music store was installing a brand new PA system for the gymnasium, which is like a home’s family room; everything important takes place there! So as the tech was setting up he playing Rush’s Moving Pictures and I was drawn like a moth to the light! Our custodian (cajon) and music teacher (guitar/vocals) were there working with the tech.

So after a million questions, I said to my buddies that we need to keep our little group together and find excuses to play during the school year. We’re kicking around Christmas music for our holiday centers on the last day before winter break.

All I know is we can hook our 12-channel donated old Peavey board directly to the new PA rig through a single jack in front of the stage and run all mics and instruments through with no problem. We’re minus subs (obviously, we’re a public school on a budget), but the tech said we’ll have no problem running through whatever we want. Yahoo! That means low stage volume (me), yet everyone will hear me without my drowning out little kids while they’re singing!

This school year is already off to a good start...

And looking very much like a pedalboard



Pedalbords just aren't that interesting to see. What we have here is the "small" board from Outlaw. There's a battery underneath and this is for whatever reason what I had in mind. Was thinking a Pedaltrain Nano Plus with a Pedaltrain Volto. For whatever reason I didn't see that Volto in stock (sure there is one for sale somewhere) and just but the bullet. All the power connections are built into the back of the board so nice and neat. It's quiet. Quiet, as in no noise I can hear.

Missing: other pedals.

A Broughton HPF is on order. Probably enough real estate left for one or two pedals. One and a half.

Also missing: no "hook & loop" stuff has been applied. Not really sure how much to use. And in no particular hurry as I consider a "final configuration". HPF will go on the input side of the VTBD so I can keep the DI open. Unless I want to use the HPF after the VTBD so "sound professional" can HPF himself. Which kind of doesn't sound like a great idea to me, but hey.

The VTBD compresses the signal a bit but doesn't squash it out of existence. There's limiter on the Phil Jones and I suspect as on-board limiters go it's a good 'un. So no urgent need for a compressor. Headstock tuner, check. VTBD has overdrive for those SVT and B-15 moments, and EQ. What's that leave that might be useful for ...

For seems to be the question. For what. For blues or jazz, nothing. Maybe octaver or chorus. Maybe fuzz.

The answer, really, is quite clear.

That extra spot is for a Korg Miku Stomp.

 

[iagtrplyr]

And looking very much like a pedalboard

View attachment 3503390

Pedalbords just aren't that interesting to see. What we have here is the "small" board from Outlaw. There's a battery underneath and this is for whatever reason what I had in mind. Was thinking a Pedaltrain Nano Plus with a Pedaltrain Volto. For whatever reason I didn't see that Volto in stock (sure there is one for sale somewhere) and just but the bullet. All the power connections are built into the back of the board so nice and neat. It's quiet. Quiet, as in no noise I can hear.

Missing: other pedals.

A Broughton HPF is on order. Probably enough real estate left for one or two pedals. One and a half.

Also missing: no "hook & loop" stuff has been applied. Not really sure how much to use. And in no particular hurry as I consider a "final configuration". HPF will go on the input side of the VTBD so I can keep the DI open. Unless I want to use the HPF after the VTBD so "sound professional" can HPF himself. Which kind of doesn't sound like a great idea to me, but hey.

The VTBD compresses the signal a bit but doesn't squash it out of existence. There's limiter on the Phil Jones and I suspect as on-board limiters go it's a good 'un. So no urgent need for a compressor. Headstock tuner, check. VTBD has overdrive for those SVT and B-15 moments, and EQ. What's that leave that might be useful for ...

For seems to be the question. For what. For blues or jazz, nothing. Maybe octaver or chorus. Maybe fuzz.

The answer, really, is quite clear.

That extra spot is for a Korg Miku Stomp.

Miku Stomp? I think I had that as an alternative to my usual sizzling rice soup at supper last night. Delish!

I think I’ve recommended chorus and how about, if you a polite overdrive pedal? Depending if you go all fuzzy and what not, an OD not bent on destroying your bass tone might be an interesting idea for those times you want a little grit. I know your VTBD can cop that, but I use a MoJo by TC Electronics and it does a nice job; better than the Rumble’s overdrive or Ampeg’s Scrambler circuit. At least to my ears.

Two cents worth of thoughts.

 

[bhendrix]

I think I’ve recommended chorus

And the Boss CEB-3 is mighty fine for that. As it's designed just for bass, it applies the chorus effect to higher frequencies and leaves the lower ones nice and clean. Works great to add some flavor to "fills" while keeping the the low end solid. Only effect pedal I use. However, I'm kinda interested in that SDrum pedal - sounds great for practice, but the drummer might be a little "miffed" if I brought it to band night!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Early report on what it's like for me to own and use a pedalboard.

Pushes the "on" switch in the back. Pedal lights up. Play a while. Go do stuff. Play a while. Read TB. Reply to TB. Play a while. Make and eat fried green tomatoes for dinner. Pedal is still lit up. Check back of pedalboard. Battery lighs indicate 5 bars, full power.

Pretty crazy, I know.

And what it seems to me is anything beyond the VTBD and HPF is squarely in fun territory. Fun as in a very deep rabbit hole. Boss pedals are Same Day purchases here at the brick and mortars. A chorus for that moment when for reasons beyond comprehension someone wants to hear the bass take the head once around. Or the Octave pedal and HPF for some of that ZZ Top Dusty Hill thing. Or fuzz because We Know Jack.

With Velcro that means all three. Just not all three at the same time.

One will do for now!

Feels nice to have a pedalboard. A lifetime "first"

 

[iagtrplyr]

Early report on what it's like for me to own and use a pedalboard.

Pushes the "on" switch in the back. Pedal lights up. Play a while. Go do stuff. Play a while. Read TB. Reply to TB. Play a while. Make and eat fried green tomatoes for dinner. Pedal is still lit up. Check back of pedalboard. Battery lighs indicate 5 bars, full power.

Pretty crazy, I know.

And what it seems to me is anything beyond the VTBD and HPF is squarely in fun territory. Fun as in a very deep rabbit hole. Boss pedals are Same Day purchases here at the brick and mortars. A chorus for that moment when for reasons beyond comprehension someone wants to hear the bass take the head once around. Or the Octave pedal and HPF for some of that ZZ Top Dusty Hill thing. Or fuzz because We Know Jack.

With Velcro that means all three. Just not all three at the same time.

One will do for now!

Feels nice to have a pedalboard. A lifetime "first"

I felt like we all went on a journey of your day. Nice you could get some TB time in! M, you sound sincerely happy where your board is presently at. Why not just leave it be until you see (or hear) a real need to add a pedal. Otherwise, you’ll be like me and 9 times out if 10 you’ll good up what was what you lined from the beginning. If I had a nickel...

 

[GwenOnBass]

I felt like we all went on a journey of your day. Nice you could get some TB time in! M, you sound sincerely happy where your board is presently at. Why not just leave it be until you see (or hear) a real need to add a pedal. Otherwise, you’ll be like me and 9 times out if 10 you’ll good up what was what you lined from the beginning. If I had a nickel...

There is room on the tail of the pedalboard for a wireless receiver ....

 

[bhendrix]

There is room on the tail of the pedalboard for a wireless receiver ....

Considering the state of technology today, I'd be fearful of possible "hacking" during a performance or worse yet, wondering if "Alexa" might chime in! I'll stay old school with a "land line" to my amp!

 

[GwenOnBass]

Nothing to energize a good set like some CB radio chatter through your rig.

 

[Mo Boogs]

I was at a brewery this weekend and this dude was playing a combo with 215’s. Pretty sure it was this rig: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...rueger-mb212-ii-2x12-inch-500-watt-bass-combo

What’s the word on the streets with these combos? I gotta say the bass sounded super phat and warm. Sounded killer.